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Vocational

Vocational courses are career-focused and designed to blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. 

These courses not only provide an opportunity for individuals to pursue their passions but also allow them to specialise in their chosen subjects, gaining valuable expertise and skills which are finely tuned to meet the specific needs of various industries. 

At Gower College Swansea, we take pride in offering a diverse array of vocational courses ranging from entry level to advanced, covering a multitude of subjects. We offer BTEC, NVQ and City & Guilds qualifications.  

Understanding vocational course levels 

When enrolled in a vocational course, you will be placed on a specific 'level' course based on your academic background and/or work experience.  

Upon completion of a level and achieving the qualification you can progress to a higher level. 

  • Equivalent to three or four GCSEs graded D to G 
  • Suitable for individuals who did not pass their GCSEs or did not achieve the expected grades. 

  • Equivalent to four or five GCSEs graded A* to C 
  • Typically, the starting level for those who obtained four GCSEs at grade D or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, with specific grade requirements in math and English for certain courses. 

  • Equivalent to two or three A Levels 
  • Generally accessible to individuals who have passed four/five or more GCSEs at grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications at pass level, often with grade prerequisites in math and/or English. 

  • Equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher Apprenticeship or Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE). 

  • Equivalent to a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma (HND) or Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE). 

  • Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree with honours (eg. BA or BSc), a Degree Apprenticeship, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma. 

  • Equivalent to a Master’s Degree (eg. MEng, MA or MSc), Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. 

  • Equivalent to a Doctorate (eg. PhD or DPhil). 

More information on qualificationswales.org. 

Vocational course

two students in lab coats in a laboratory
Business Express Level 3 - Diploma

Level 3 BTEC Diploma

A table with business documents
Business Level 3 - Extended Diploma

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

two students in lab coats in a laboratory
Computing Level 3 - National Extended Diploma

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Using a digital pen on a tablet to draw
Digital Art

AGORED

Gower College Swansea students winning the British Esports Student Championship
Esports Level 3 – Events and Media

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Woman arranging flowers
Floristry

AGORED

two students in lab coats in a laboratory
Photography

AGORED

Printmaking
Printmaking

AGORED

two students in lab coats in a laboratory
Sewing Skills

AGORED

two students in lab coats in a laboratory
Sport Level 3 - Extended Diploma

Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma

Future teachers sitting around a table
Teaching Academy

Level 4 AGORED